• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

If Ricks Are So Coveted...Why Are They So Cheap?

P

plangentmusic

Inactive
Jun 30, 2010
1,922
45
Manhattan
#1
I understand there's a waiting list for Ricks. It's funny -- I got mine used in 1985 when nobody wanted them. Picked up a 1979 4001 for $250.

The funny thing is, it's been appraised for only $2500.00 Granted, a nice profit, but I'm not looking to sell it.

I also noticed some vintage Ricks on ebay going for about 2K -- pretty close to the price of a new one.

Why do you think Ricks haven't grown in value?
 
#6
plangentmusic said:
I understand there's a waiting list for Ricks. It's funny -- I got mine used in 1985 when nobody wanted them. Picked up a 1979 4001 for $250.

The funny thing is, it's been appraised for only $2500.00 Granted, a nice profit, but I'm not looking to sell it.

I also noticed some vintage Ricks on ebay going for about 2K -- pretty close to the price of a new one.

Why do you think Ricks haven't grown in value?
Click to expand...

I would say a 1979 4001 should be more like $1500 to $1700.
 
#8
Daede said:
Don't buy a vintage Rick, buy a new one: they're better.
Click to expand...

I would not buy a 70s 4001 when I could get a new 4003. The new ones are a lot better. Better necks, better, pickups, better electronics, and they aren't all yellowed and dinged up. Also with a 70s 4001 you never know if a previous owner has screwed up the neck with an improper truss rod adjustment.
 
#10
plangentmusic said:
I understand there's a waiting list for Ricks. It's funny -- I got mine used in 1985 when nobody wanted them. Picked up a 1979 4001 for $250.

The funny thing is, it's been appraised for only $2500.00 Granted, a nice profit, but I'm not looking to sell it.

I also noticed some vintage Ricks on ebay going for about 2K -- pretty close to the price of a new one.

Why do you think Ricks haven't grown in value?
Click to expand...

Huh...??

You bought a Ric 25 years ago, it's appreciated 10 times what you paid for it, and you're asking why Ric's haven't grown in value??
 
#14
If you're smart you can get a factory new one for under $1500. That's about the same as walking out of a normal major chain with an MIA Fender. If you're patient you can get a used one for $1000 or less. $675 here. Yeah... Not bad for a long lasting MIA bass. Why are you complaining?

The 4001/4003 haven't changed too much and aren't as rare as the old Fenders. If we're talking very early Rics in rare colors, those go for a lot of dime. (See JohnK's post.) You just aren't asking about the right ones.
 
#17
TylerDurdenPSSC said:
............. Maybe if they came stock with Dark Stars, I could see it.
Click to expand...

IMO, that kinda defeats the whole purpose of having a ric.
personally, i don't think that they're overpriced at all. i think that a quality USA made, neck thru bass with a street price of $1500-$1600 is very reasonable.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back